Creamy Smoked Salmon Fettuccine with Fresh Spinach and Tomatoes
Indulge in this luxurious creamy smoked salmon fettuccine that melds the rich flavors of decadent cream cheese, savory smoked salmon, and fresh vegetables. Each bite offers a velvety texture accented by a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and aromatic notes from sautéed onions and garlic. The freshness of spinach and ripe tomatoes adds a vibrant touch, making this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are hosting friends or treating yourself, this pasta will surely impress and satisfy.
N/A
Servings
575
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fettuccine pasta
1/2 lb (dry, or use a double batch of Homemade Noodles for 2)
sweet onion
1/2 cup (finely diced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch
cream cheese
8 oz
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup
milk
1/4 cup
buttermilk
1/4 cup
dried basil
1/4 tsp
fresh spinach
1/2 cup (torn)
tomato
1 (seeded and cut)
smoked salmon
1/2 cup (broken into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat.
2
Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water.
3
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced sweet onion and minced garlic, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4
Reduce the heat to low, and add the milk and buttermilk to the skillet. Gradually stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
5
Once the cheese sauce is well combined, gently fold in the smoked salmon pieces and torn spinach, cooking for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and the salmon is heated through.
6
Add the cooked fettuccine and chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved starchy pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
45g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this fettuccine recipe?
The main protein in this recipe is smoked salmon, broken into small pieces.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fettuccine pasta, either dry or a double batch of homemade noodles.
What cheeses are used in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using a combination of cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish features fresh torn spinach, seeded and cut tomatoes, sweet onion, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta?
Each serving contains approximately 575 calories.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, but it is generally considered mild and creamy.
Can I use buttermilk in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1/4 cup of buttermilk along with 1/4 cup of regular milk for a tangy, creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from being too thick?
You should reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water after boiling the fettuccine and gradually add it to the sauce until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This creamy smoked salmon fettuccine contains 35g of fat per serving.
How long should I cook the fettuccine?
The fettuccine should be cooked in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
A sweet onion is recommended, finely diced, to provide a mild and aromatic flavor base.
Is there any butter in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to sauté the aromatics and build the base of the sauce.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 tsp of dried basil along with salt and pepper to taste.
When should I add the spinach?
Gently fold the torn spinach into the cheese sauce once it is smooth, cooking for a couple of minutes until the leaves wilt.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This pasta dish provides 15g of protein per serving.
Can this be served to guests?
Yes, the recipe is described as luxurious and gourmet, making it perfect for hosting friends or special occasions.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 45g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to cook the smoked salmon?
The smoked salmon is already cured/cooked; you only need to fold it into the sauce at the end to heat it through.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and cut into pieces before being tossed with the pasta.
What heat setting should I use for the cheese sauce?
You should reduce the heat to low when adding the milk, buttermilk, and cheeses to ensure a smooth, creamy result without scorching.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried basil, fresh basil can be used as a substitute for a more vibrant herbal flavor.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic, minced.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce, plus extra for garnish if desired.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, it is recommended to bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for the fettuccine.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish has a velvety, creamy texture accented by fresh vegetables and tender pasta.
How much buttermilk is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of buttermilk.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While fettuccine is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other long pastas like linguine or tagliatelle.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the diced sweet onion and garlic for about 3-5 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
What makes this dish visually appealing?
The combination of vibrant green spinach and bright red tomatoes against the white creamy sauce makes the dish visually striking.